Chiefs of Signal

Major General Bruce R. Harris

1986 - 1988

Bruce Reed Harris was born on 13 August 1934, in New Castle, Indiana. In 1956, he graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a Bachelor's degree in business and a commission in the Army through ROTC. He also has earned a Master's degree in political science from Auburn University.

His military education includes the Signal Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Army Command and General Staff College, and the Air War College.

MG Harris's assignments are numerous. From 1972 to 1973, he commanded the 13th Signal Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood. After attending the Air War College from 1973 to 1974, Harris served in 1974 and 1975, as an Operations Research Analyst, Manpower Analysis Team, Program Analysis and Evaluation Directorate, Office, Chief of Staff, US Army, Washington, D.C. From 1975 to 1978, he was the Executive Officer, later Chief of the Plans and Operations Division, Office Chief of Legislative Liaison, US Army. The following year he served as the Commander, Division Support Command, 2d Armored Division, Fort Hood.

In 1980 and 1981, Harris was the Chief of Staff at Fort Gordon followed in 1981, with appointment as the Signal Center's Deputy Commanding General/Deputy Commandant. Between 1981 and 1982, he was the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Legislative Affairs) Office, Secretary of Defense. That assignment was followed by appointment from 1982 to 1983, as the Assistant Division Commander, 9th Infantry Division, Fort Lewis.

The next year he served as the Commanding General, US Army Communications Systems Agency, Fort Monmouth, New Jersey and US Army Communications Electronics Engineering Installation Agency, Fort Huachuca. From 1984 to June 1986, Harris was the Deputy Commanding General, US Army Information Systems Command, Fort Huachuca. On 3 June 1986, he assumed command of the US Army Signal Center and Fort Gordon.

On 3 June 1988, he relinquished command to MG Leo M. Childs and received a promotion to lieutenant general. In June 1988, LTG Harris was assigned as Director of Information Systems Command, Control, Communications and Computers, Office of the Secretary of the Army, Washington, D.C.

MG Harris' citations and awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medals, Army Commendation Medal, Parachutist Badge, and Master Army Aviator Badge.